Local sponsor presents world marathon record holder with Sh5.9m

Eliud Kipchoge waves the keys to the Isuzu D-Max car handed to him by Isuzu East Africa Managing Director Rita Kavashe at the Eldoret Sports Club yesterday. Photo/EMMANUEL MASINDE

Timothy Simwa and Emmanuel Masinde @PeopleSport11

World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge remained true to his humble nature as he was feted at an award presentation ceremoby in his home county, Nandi.

At the height of a week that he was honoured for his historic fete in Germany two weeks ago, Kipchoge maitained his character even as one of the country’s corporate titans festooned him for the achievement.

Still, he gave no hints of his next move, leaving those in a ttendancewith guesswork to do, guarding his plans, not even suggesting that he might be gunning for the Holy Grail of athletics running – world marathon champion.

The dust of celebration for the Kipchoge is yet to settle down as automobile manufactures Isuzu East Africa kept their end of their promise by a warding the champion with a Sh 5.9 million Isuzu D-Max Double cabin pick-up at theEldoret Sports Club yesterday.

In a function that was attended by Isuzu EA Managing Director Rita Kaveshe, fellow athletes and coaches, Kipchoge received his new ride accompanied by his immediate family members in a colourful afternoon ceremony. The soft spoken champion was delighted with the glamorous gift as he lavished praises to Isuzu Company for their kind gesture and appreciating his effort as their brand ambassador.

“I am humbled by this great gift from Isuzu and I must say they have been part of every step of my way to what I have come to achieve eventually.

Their support cannot be gainsaid and giving it my best was the best way of appreciating,” he said. Kaveshe lauded the athlete outstanding performance and personality saying Isuzu had no option but to keep their promise having made ahead of th Berlin showdown in which Kipchoge set a new 2:01.39 record upstaging Dennis Kimetto’s by 78 seconds.

“We did make a commitment to award Kipchoge with tis vehicle and since he kept his end of the bargain we are here to say congratulations to our champion for being a great ambassador,” she said.

Meanwhile Kipchoge has shelved prospects of getting back on the track soon as he concentrates on his recovery before deciding his next move. He believes marathon can be done under the two hour mark record either by him or any other athlete in the country.

“Kenya has plenty of elite runners and personally I am driven by a conviction that there is no limit to what a man can do for as long you give it your best. Hard work never fails you for as long as you keep your focus on what you want to achieve,” remarked Kipchoge.

Early this week the champion alongside Berlin marathon women winner Gladys Cherono and men’s second runners ups David Kipruto were also feted in their home county of Nandi in the presence of Deputy President William Ruto. The duo was also present during the presentation yesterday. The function was presided over by Deputy Governors of Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties.